'Carenting': What Is It and How Can We Help?
How Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston supports family carers
Life has a way of pulling us in many directions at once, and for a growing number of people, the term “carenting” has become a reality. But what does it mean? In 2020, Dr. Jackie Gray recognised the growing number of mid-life adults who find themselves themselves caring for their ageing parents while also navigating their own lives. She created the term, ‘Carents’ and sought to support those trying to navigate the system. We meet many family carers at Home Instead and know that with the right support, supporting for your ageing parents does not have to be overwhelming.
The Challenges of Caring
Being a family carer is a balancing act, and it’s not surprising that many feel the weight of it. From managing careers and family commitments to addressing the growing needs of parents, family carers are often pulled in multiple directions at once. According to the New Ageing Index, nearly 40% of family caregivers have had to leave their jobs to provide care. This can lead to financial pressures and increased stress, affecting not just the ‘carent’, but the whole family.
Yet, despite these challenges, there is a shared belief among carers. An overwhelming 90% of family caregivers believe that caring for their loved ones at home is the best option. It provides comfort, dignity, and familiarity for their parents, while allowing the carer to remain closely involved in their care. But knowing that care at home is best doesn’t make it easy to achieve. This is where Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston can offer vital support.
How Home Instead Supports Family Carers
At Home Instead, we know how difficult it can be to take the first step. Reaching out for help can feel like admitting you can’t do it all — but the truth is, no one can. Becoming a family carer is a role no one is fully prepared for, but you don’t have to go it alone.
Our approach is rooted in compassion, empathy, and understanding. Many of us at Home Instead are mothers, daughters, sons, and fathers who have experienced the challenges you’re facing. We understand what it means to balance work, family, and caring responsibilities, and that’s why we’ve created a clear, simple process to help support you every step of the way.
Here’s what you can expect when you choose Home Instead.
- Initial Call – The First Step is Often the Hardest
Getting started can feel like the hardest part. Picking up the phone to talk about care can be emotional and daunting. Clare Jefferies, owner of Home Instead Wimbledon and Kingston, says,
“The most complicated part of care is the first step, the first call…finding the time in your busy schedule. The first thing we’ll ask you is, ‘Tell us about Mum.’”
That simple question — “Tell us about Mum” — is the start of something special. It’s a moment to pause and reflect on your loved one’s needs, preferences, and personality. From that initial call, we begin to build a picture of the care they need. We’ll listen carefully, answer your questions, and talk you through the next steps.
We also know that life is busy, so if you don’t have all the answers right away, that’s okay. We’ll send you an email with everything we’ve discussed, including details about our services, care options, and pricing. This gives you time to review it all at your own pace — and if you’d like to share it with other family members, you can.
- Home Assessment – Understanding Your Loved One’s Unique Needs
Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll arrange a home assessment. This is an opportunity for us to meet you, your loved one, and anyone else involved in the decision. One of our Client Care Managers will visit at a time that works for you. They’ll take the time to get to know your loved one — their interests, hobbies, personality, and care needs.
This is much more than a tick-box exercise. We believe that care should be truly personal. Clare Jefferies explains it best:
“Care for us is personal. We have the ‘Mum Test’. Would I be happy for this Care Professional to care for my mum? Anyone who cares for your mum and is in your home will be the right fit and the right person, because they’ve been employed with that question in mind. We will find the right person for your mother, and you, the daughter or son, will be happy too.”
This stage is all about putting your loved one at the heart of the process. Every question we ask is designed to ensure we can provide the best possible care, with the right person in place to deliver it.
- Care Plan and Matching – Finding the Right Care Professional
Once we’ve got a clear understanding of your loved one’s needs, we’ll create a personalised care plan. This plan outlines the type of support required, the schedule of visits, and the goals of the care, and any additional services your loved one may require such as nail care. Importantly, we match your loved one with a Home Instead Care Professional — someone carefully chosen to suit their personality, interests, and care needs.
We believe that relationships matter. It’s not enough to have someone who can “do the job.” We want someone your loved one will feel comfortable with, someone they can trust, and someone they’ll genuinely like. To make sure it’s the right match, we introduce every Care Professional to their client before the first visit. No surprises, just peace of mind.
- Ongoing Support – Welcome to the Home Instead Family
Once care begins, you’ll be part of the Home Instead family. Our relationship with you doesn’t end with a care plan — it continues throughout your loved one’s journey with us.
If needs change, we’ll adapt. If you have questions, we’ll answer them. Our aim is to give you and your loved one complete peace of mind. Whether it’s a small tweak to a schedule or a change in the level of care required, we’ll be there.
We also believe in communication. You’ll be kept informed at every stage, and you’ll always know who to contact if you have questions. For us, it’s about creating a support system that works for you — not adding to your stress.
If you would like some further information about Carents, please visit the Carents Room website: https://carents.co.uk
If you are looking to make that first step in home care for your loved one, we’re here to help. Just call us or explore our website for more information.
